By now, most people have heard about the advantages of well-known medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic for weight loss. The semaglutides and tirzepatides have taken social media by storm, and celebrities such as Jennifer Fessler and Tracy Morgan have admitted to trying the drugs — typically used in the past for Type 2 diabetics — to shed unwanted pounds.
Now, non-celebrities are catching on to the benefits of these medications for weight loss, and drugs such as Ozempic have become a ray of hope for those who struggle to lose weight. Prescriptions for drugs like Ozempic skyrocketed over 152% in February 2023, over their levels in February of 2022, showing that people are ready for something that works.
With increased demand comes innovations that make it easier for providers to keep up and give patients the care that works. Telehealth has been around for decades but has gained an increase in use on the heels of the pandemic. Now, it is set to revolutionize the weight loss industry and bring affordable and accessible weight loss medications to everyone.
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The affordability issue
When Hollywood stars choose to try Ozempic or Wegovy, cost is of no concern. However, for the everyday consumer seeking a workable weight loss option, the price of semaglutides or tirzepatides can make them out of reach.
“Do not be taken as a fool by going to one of the hundreds of med spas or anti-aging locations that want to charge you an exuberant amount of money for a 90-day supply or less,” says Sergio Padron, Founder and CEO of MD Exam.
Ozempic, for example, can typically run $900 for just a one-month supply — a price that places the drug out of reach for many people. By integrating telemedicine into the weight loss plan, providers like MD Exam are cutting out the middleman and cutting prices, making these weight loss drugs more accessible.
“We want people to lose weight and feel great, and we are using not only the latest medication but the latest technology to make it happen,” says Padron.
The telehealth revolution
Telehealth is revolutionizing not just weight loss care, but healthcare in general. During the pandemic, telehealth services stepped up to help people who were quarantined or otherwise could not access in-person services.
Now, post-pandemic, telehealth is showing its true worth concerning accessibility and cost savings. Studies show that patients can see substantial savings in healthcare spending by using telehealth services.
With the telehealth revolution and the approval of drugs such as Ozempic for weight management, we have entered a new era of healthcare. This has left providers, such as those with MD Exam, prompted to be more vocal about how these drugs actually work and what kind of wellness regimen needs to be followed to achieve lasting, healthy results.
Technology + Innovative Healthcare = Results
With telehealth, the providers and coaches at MD Exam have been able to offer affordable access to weight loss medications as well as results-driven coaching, custom plan building, nutrition integration and tracking, and exercise programs. Padron emphasizes that while telehealth connectivity for weight loss patients to gain access to affordable medications is great, it is not the only part of an effective weight loss plan.
“Education is the key to understanding what semaglutide is, and what it does to your body is key to success in losing weight and keeping it off,” says Padron. While programs like MD Exam have enhanced convenience and support features for their patients through telehealth, it is the comprehensive plan design that is ultimately successful.
“Through technology, we can offer monthly prescription deliveries, a user-friendly patient portal, and coach support for diet and exercise plans that work in conjunction with effective medications,” explains Padron.
The multifaceted approach is what typically works best, elevating the convenience and accessibility of telehealth and combining it with state-of-the-art healthcare. It is a holistic approach for the modern age, one that many providers are adopting because of the positive response from patients.
The future of telehealth
The current state of weight loss healthcare may be here to stay. Padron reports positive feedback from the majority of MD Exam’s patients, showing that the holistic approach to weight loss — informed by technology — is a winning path. “We have dozens and dozens of wonderful personal stories, so everyone’s journey is different and very valuable in a special way,” Padron says. Telehealth has allowed more people than ever before to experience the benefits of multifaceted weight loss options, ushering in the future of healthcare.
Doctors, lawmakers, stakeholders, and patients agree that telehealth access is “critical” for the future of healthcare. As lawmakers work to expand telehealth policy, research, and access to those in healthcare deserts, such as rural areas, innovative providers are jumping on telehealth to bring new approaches to their patients.
With the uptick in popularity of weight loss drugs and innovative approaches to programs that include both medications and a reframed mindset on health and wellness, a move to telehealth can only serve to bring workable and effective programs to more people at increasingly affordable prices.
